Dynamite duo Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo clash head-on this evening as world and European champions France host Portugal in the sides' first match since their tempestuous Euro 2000 semifinal last year.

This time round the friendly status of the Stade de France encounter should ensure that tempers do not boil over, especially as both playmakers are essential to their respective clubs Juventus and Real Madrid.

But last year's Euro 2000 semi-final will not be easily forgotten and Portugal could be tempted to settle their account with Roger Lemerre's side.

Lemerre welcomes 'keeper Fabien Barthez, Lilian Thuram and Youri Djorkaeff back from the respective injuries which kept them from playing in the 21 away defeat to Spain.

Lemerre, who admits that the Portuguese challenge should keep his players on their toes, also has PSG striker Nicolas Anelka back, with Juventus's David Trezeguet adding more class to his front line options.

The prospect of revenge, epitomised by Figo's insistance on playing despite having a broken nose, could spur Antonio Oliveria's side on to victory.

Fluent forward Sergio Conceicao keeps his place, with prolific Fulham forward Luis Boa Morte brought in for his debut and as a replacement for Nuno Capucho, who was injured while playing for Porto at the weekend.

Also in Oliveira's line-up is Abel Xavier, the white-haired defender who was at the centre of last year's Euro controversy. Xavier's hand made contact with the ball in the box, allowing Zidane to convert an extra time golden goal penalty and win passage to the final against Italy.

Xavier is joined in defence by Fernando Couto, the Lazio player.